Are you visiting Denver this holiday season or live close to the area? Explore all the festive events and FREE activities going on during December and through January in The Mile High City! From stunning light displays to outdoor activities, there’s plenty of options for you. Take the family out for a weekend of fun or make it a romantic weekend with your significant other. One thing is for sure, the list of Denver holiday events makes it the place to be this season!
Holiday Lights
Something about Christmas lights in the cold, crisp air inspires a magical and joyful feeling that you can’t find any other time of the year. Here in Denver, there are several light displays to enjoy like the new Mile High Tree display! Suitable for all ages, there is no shortage to twinkling displays that are sure to entertain the whole family. Every light display has its own, unique theme and style, so there is never a worry of seeing the same thing twice.
Kick-off the holiday season by attending the annual parade of lights on December 6th & 7th in downtown Denver. Once the parade is over, check out the new Mile High Tree standing at 110 feet tall! Both of these Denver Christmas events are FREE to the public and are sure to offer a great time for the whole family!
In search of more light displays to help you capture the glow of the Christmas spirit? Stop by the Denver Zoo to view their Zoo Lights, a tradition that has been going on for 29 years! Or visit the Denver Botanic Gardens to enjoy their Blossom of Light display, featuring dazzling color-changing lights. Both events require tickets, but the few extra dollars are well worth it. Other light displays in the Denver area include Night Lights Denver, Christmas Lights of Denver, Light the Lights, Grand Illumination, Christmas in Color, and more!
Festive Events
If you are looking for something to do during the day or inside, there is no shortage of holiday activities. Start off your day with full bellies by enjoying a delicious brunch from The Original Pancake House. Then make your way to one of the many indoor Denver holiday events. Camp Christmas at the Stanley Marketplace is one of our favorites. From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., escape the cold by walking through a winter wonderland of history and rituals. The whole family is sure to enjoy this event, it offers a little something for everyone! You can also book tickets to “A Christmas Carol” the musical starting December 5th until December 22nd. Don’t forget to take a stroll through one of the Christmas Markets to pick up presents for all the special people in your life, and make sure you make time for the big man himself…SANTA!
Other events and activities include:
- The Polar Express Train Ride
- 1940’s White Christmas Ball
- Denver Pavilions’ Holiday Carousel
- Santa’s Flight Academy
- Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms
Continue your favorite family traditions for Christmas in Denver, or explore our list to find new ones to add to your list!
Outdoor Winter Activities
The Mile High City has plenty of outdoor holiday activities for you and the family to enjoy. A popular favorite is ice skating which can be found throughout the city. The most popular location is in downtown Denver at Skyline Park. If you are flying into the Denver National Airport, make a quick pitstop before heading into town by enjoying complimentary ice skating.
If you are looking to get out of town and into the mountains, you’ll find plenty of winter activities.
- Channel your inner child and set up a day of sledding at Snow Mountain Ranch or The Meadows at Elk Camp, Snowmass.
- Visit one of Colorado’s famous ski resorts and spend the day on the mountain skiing or snowboarding.
- Enjoy some outdoor exercise while cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
- And lastly, take a drive out to Estes Park to take in the stunning mountain views.
No matter what activity you decide to do this Holiday season, one thing is for sure… starting off your day with a delicious breakfast meal is essential! The Original Pancake House offers breakfast and brunch from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Denver Tech Center and Cherry Hills. Stop by and let our friendly staff welcome you to Denver this holiday season.